Fool vs. Wise
Proverbs 12:15-16
15The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.
16A fool's wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame.
There are only 2 faces that a man can have: foolish or wise. The foolish goes with anything that he thinks is good in his eyes, doesn't reserve anything because he thinks that everything seems right to him; he shows his annoyance at once (NIV), he doesn't hide it because he thinks everything seems right (v15). Versus, the wise, "hearkeneth unto counsel"; he listens to advice (NIV), overlooks an insult. He basically is what the Bible talks about as someone who is filled with the fruit of the Spirit.
Even though there have been many times I have heard God speak to me about being wise, I ought to continuously get reminded of that. Why? Because it's easy to fall into the trap of (1) getting mad easily and showing it clearly, and (2) going my own way without heeding advice or not following any godly advice. I did pretty good today not getting mad at my students on the first day of class. I did get mad towards the end (Period 6, as usual) because kids during that time usually get incredibly restless and just don't want to do anything. Maybe this is a warning for me for later? Or tomorrow? Or just for everyday living? The answer to these questions is, YES! I must be wise. I must be able to control myself, especially when I am annoyed or irritated. I need to always remind myself that being wise means to have self-control - both with my reactions and my life reactions to circumstances that play on a day to day basis.
Lord, I know that you are constantly reminding me about this. Help me to fully understand what you want me to know. I know I have been doing my best to be self-controlled in the area of irritation and annoyance, as well as in the life reactions I ought to have. I know I am not 100% at this, so I ask that may Your Spirit continually convict me at times when I a slip off not having self-control. I only want people to see Jesus in me. Mold me and break me to be always sensitive to you! Thank you Lord! In Jesus name, Amen.
